pathfinder ecotourism

Steinhatchee holds firsthand knowledge of outdoor recreation and tourism. Visitors flock to the community-by-the-Gulf of Mexico in pursuit of scallops, saltwater fish, and outdoor experiences. Local organizations – the Project Board, the Chamber of Commerce, and now the Waterfronts Florida Partnership Committee – maintain What is “ecotourism”? an active calendar of tournaments and festivals to attract tourists and celebrate the natural resources. The International Ecotourism Society (TIES) defines ecotourism as “… responsible travel to natural areas The settlement of 1,300 is located at the southern-most tip of Taylor County in Florida’s that conserves the environment Big Bend along the state’s “Nature Coast.” The community depends on recreational and and improves the well-being of local commercial fishing, related water-based businesses, and in recent years, construction. people” (TIES, 1990). Adjacent waters carry designations such as “Outstanding Florida Waters” and “Big The State of Florida Ecotourism/ Heritage Tourism Advisory Committee Bend Seagrass Aquatic Preserve.” Eco-assets include the Big Bend Saltwater Paddling in 1997 expanded the TIES definition and the Florida Circumnavigational Trail; the Steinhatchee River, the Steinhatchee to include the environment, the host Falls, and the Suwannee River Water Wildlife Management Area. community, and the responsibility and experience of the visitor. The Steinhatchee Waterfronts Florida Partnership Committee identified ecotourism as …Responsible travel to natural areas which conserves the a priority in 2008 with the intent to: environment and sustains the well-being of local people while …seek grant funding opportunities to develop a market feasibility study providing a quality experience to determine what economic development opportunities may exist that connects the visitor to nature. for the community. The committee will also seek technical assistance from various state agencies and organizations to develop eco-tourism More recently The Nature opportunities for the Steinhatchee area. Conservancy (TNC) partnered with the World Conservation Union (IUCN) to provide a more specific ecotourism: The idea was to add a new tool to Steinhatchee’s economic development kit; to refine Environmentally responsible the local outdoor recreation brand to include natural and historical assets in hope that travel to natural areas, in order visitors would fill local resorts and motels and restaurants year round. to enjoy and appreciate nature (and accompanying cultural features, both past and present) The Waterfronts Committee took the first steps to learn about ecotourism in 2009, that promote conservation, hoping to draw on the experience of other communities as Steinhatchee develops have a low visitor impact and provide for beneficially active its own version of ecotourism. Mini-case studies were prepared to consider Florida’s socio-economic involvement of approach to ecotourism and local experience from counties in Florida, Maine, and local peoples. Vermont. The results are presented here. Ecotourism focuses on the nature- based assets within a geographic location such rivers, waterfalls, grass beds, or an ecological area and is often paired with what may called “heritage” or cultural-historical tourism. Both eco- and historical tourism are linked to specific places and are based on the tourists experience with the natural and built environment within a community or region.

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LAMPLH E RBERT ~ 1 ~ 2009 pathfinder

Sources and Additional Readings Florida Ecotourism/Heritage Tourism Advisory Committee Florida Guide to Nature Travel, Ecotourism and Outdoors Adventures. Florida by definition is a gateway to sandy beaches, warm winter weather, and nature- Provides links to Ecotourism Sites, based tourism. The state began its work to preserve and manage its natural areas in Activities, and Providers. http://www. ecofloridamag.com/florida-ecotourism. 1963 with the creation of the Land Acquisition Trust Fund (LATF) to pay for outdoor htm (accessed July 27, 2009). recreation and conservation programs which continue today as Florida Forever, George Washington University in the Greenways and Trails, and Florida Communities Trust. Washington DC area partners with the TIES group to offer “Building Capacity Ecotourism gained statewide attention in 1997. The Ecotourism/Heritage Tourism in Ecotourism” in a distance learning environment to help individuals and Advisory Committee set its goal to “protect and promote the natural, coastal, historical, communities define and develop cultural, and commercial assets of Florida” as part of its mission to foster economic ecotourism projects. http://www. conservation.org/Documents/ development in rural areas, reporting that: CI_ecotourism_learning_program_ description.pdf (accessed July 27, …Ecotourism and heritage tourism offer great potential to provide 2009). new and continuing economic benefits to Florida. These economic Natural North Florida. Provides benefits can be enjoyed by Florida’s current and future residents as links to Ecotourism Sites, Activities, well as visitors only if people experience these non-renewable resources and Providers. http://www. in ways which protect and maintain their integrity while providing naturalnorthflorida.com/index.cfm? 1 (accessed July 27, 2009). enjoyment (1997:C-4). Potts, Thomas D., Ph.D. and Allan P.C. Marsinko, Ph.D. 2002. The Committee created a “how to” framework that called for a system of Regional Developing Naturally: An Exploratory Committees and a State Advisory Committee that included private sector participation; Process for Nature-Based Community development of an inventory; protection of resources; education, and marketing. Tourism. Clemson SC: Strom Thurmond Institute of Government Visit Florida, a public-private partnership, now includes ecotourism in present-day and Public Affairs, Clemson University. offerings. Wakulla County and Tallahassee Community College (TCC) developed a Provides a workbook for communities interested in ecotourism. http://www. “green guide program” that offers training and certification for individuals who want strom.clemson.edu/publications/Potts/ to start a business or work in ecotourism. Extension agents and others linked with the DevNatbook.pdf (accessed July 29, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) provide services 2009). and educational opportunities to communities. Society for Ethical Ecotourism – Southwest Florida. Provides certification for ecotourism providers / vendors that is linked to sustainability, management, and ecotourism experiences. Established a Code of Ethics. http://www.seeswfla.org/index. htm (accessed July 27, 2009). Provides access to public-private partnership resources for Florida tourism, includes grants. http://www. visitflorida.org (accessed July 27, 2009). Wyman, Miriam S. and Taylor V. Stein. 2007. Introducing Ecotourism to Florida’s Counties and Landowners: an Ecotourism/Nature Based Tourism Fact Sheet. FOR 110, Series of the School of Forest Resources and Conservation, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ FR163 (accessed July 27, 2009). 1 Florida Commission on Tourism. Ecotourism/Heritage Tourism Advisory Committee. 1997. Recommendations on the Statewide Plan to Protect and Promote the Natural, Coastal, Historical, Cultural and Commercial Assets of Florida. Tallahassee: Florida Commission on Tourism. ~ 2 ~ ecotourism Case Study: Hamilton County, Florida

Hamilton County is situated at Florida’s main intersection -- the interchange of Interstate 75 and Interstate 10 that routes travelers down the peninsula or east and west across the panhandle. The economy is based on government service, utilities Want More Information? and transportation, hospitality, leisure (tourism), agriculture, and mining (phosphate). Best, Mechelle N. and Taylor V. Stein. Jasper is the county seat; Jennings and White Springs are also incorporated. The 2007. Ecotourism in Florida: Letting population is 14,800. Nature Work for You. Publication # CIR 1517. Gainesville: University of Florida, School of Forest Resources County voters approved a bed-tax in 1996 to foster local interest in ecotourism, levying and Conservation, Florida Cooperative a three percent tax on overnight stays to fund cultural heritage and nature-based Extension Service, Institute of Food projects. The Tourist Development Council (TDC) receives proposals for events and for and Agricultural Sciences. Contains case studies of individuals who renovations. own/operate ecotourism sites or businesses; includes lessons learned The Hamilton County brand focuses on historic and natural resources. White Springs from the perspective of individuals. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/fr/ has long been the focal point of heritage and nature-based tourism because of its fr17800.pdf (accessed July 27, 2009). primary attractions – the Suwannee River, the annual Stephen Foster Folk Festival, and DP Nature Tours. Provides guided the Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park. Yet the county as a whole is rich tours in the Suwannee River and with historical resources that include 50 cemeteries; multiple churches, commercial Okefenokee water sheds. Site 2 includes “what to expect” which buildings, and hotels as well as a German Prisoner of War Camp site. Two buildings sets out a code of ethics. http:// are listed on the North Florida Black Heritage Trail which passes through Hamilton www.dpnaturetours.com/index.htm County. Natural assets include three rivers, Florida’s only white-water rapids, trails for (accessed July 27, 2009). hiking and mountain biking and kayaking. Guettler, Tyler Salvatore. 2009. Eco- tourism and the Natural Environment. Hamilton County, Florida. Gainesville: An inventory and conceptual plan for Hamilton County historic and natural resources University of Florida, Department of was completed in early 2009 by a researcher from the University of Florida. The plan Landscape Architecture, College of recommends that the county pursue economic development based on ecotourism, Design, Construction, & Planning. http://snre.ufl.edu/pubsevents/ minimal environmental impact, low carbon footprint, and construction of an eco- hamilton.html (accessed July 28, lodge to accommodate overnight visits. The future of the plan is uncertain. The TDC 2009). currently has some $80,000 worth of proposals awaiting action by the Board of County University of Florida News. 2002. Commissioners. UF Expert: Nature Based Tourism Requires Marketing Know-How. http:// news.ufl.edu/2002/06/12/ecotourism/ (accessed July 27, 2009). News-like article discusses the development of ecotourism in Hamilton County, Florida. Organizations identified include Visit Florida, Hamilton County Extension, University of Florida,

Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. Image from the Hamilton County Brochure: County Image from the Hamilton http://www.hamiltoncountyflorida.com/hamilton-county.pdf

Prepared by 2 This information was drawn from Guettler (2009). Please see sidebar. LAMPLH E RBERT

LAMPLH E RBERT ~ 3 ~ 2009 pathfinder Case Study: Wakulla County, Florida Want More Information? Wakulla County is located in Florida’s Big Bend south of Tallahassee, the state’s capital. Tallahassee Community College. Crawfordville is the seat of county government. St. Marks and Panacea, both located Ecotourism Program. Offers certifications under Green Guide at the coast, are Waterfronts Florida Partnership communities. Sopchoppy is located Program and courses in ecotourism. inland at the Sopchoppy River. Provided through TCC’s Wakulla Center and Ecotourism Institute in Wakulla County. http://www.tcc.fl.edu/ The county has long been known as a Sportsman’s Paradise; recreational and about_tcc/workforce_development/ sportfishing enthusiasts and commercial fishermen dock St. Marks, Spring Creek, and green_job_training/ecotourism_ Panacea. The ecotourism brand – “Wakulla County: the Natural Place to Be” – has program (accessed July 27, 2009). evolved since it was established some 10 years ago. The county’s focus on ecotourism Wakulla Center. http://www. wakullacountychamber.com/Green- was considered a way to add to its attractions, a way to improve the local economy, Guide-Program-Living.aspx (accessed and to protect the natural and cultural-historical resources. July 27, 2009). Eco-assets include four rivers – the St. Marks, Wakulla, Sopchoppy, and Ochlocknee; a coastal area outlined by the Gulf of Mexico; St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, and parts of the Apalachicola National Forest. St. Marks is located at the southern end of the St. Marks Historic Railroad State Trail and San Marcos de Apalachee Historic State Park is located nearby at the confluence of the Wakulla and St. Marks Rivers.

Ecotourism got a jumpstart with the creation of a Tourist Development Council (TDC) and authorization of a three percent bed tax to fund the work of attracting tourists. The TDC was initially guided by a contract director, who worked to get grants and other kinds of funding mechanisms in place. The tax got its biggest boost c. 2006-2009 after construction of two motels along U.S. Highway 98. The county was able to hire a part- time TDC Director in 2008.

The TDC partnered with Tallahassee Community College (TCC) in 2006 to establish the Wakulla Ecotourism Institute. The Institute offers a “green guide” certification at the Wakulla Center in Crawfordville. So far, more than 50 persons have completed the course, learning about local resources, how to run a business, and how to conduct nature-based tours. TCC offers a separate “Ambassadors Program” that trains local workers in customer service, which includes how advice on how to respond to questions such as “what’s there to do around here?” The TDC partnered with the Chamber of Commerce, Workforce Plus, and Visit Florida to put Wakulla County on the ecotourism map and to build local capacity to work with Ecotourists. Wakulla County’s recent inclusion in “Scenic Byway” program sponsored by the Florida Department of Transportation is listed among the area’s recent accomplishments.

The biggest challenge to ecotourism in Wakulla County came in the early days: people did not recognize ecotourism as more than protection for natural resources; that ecotourism is also economic development.

~ 4 ~ ecotourism Case Study: Maine Want More Information? Maine’s ecotourism initiative began in the early 1990s with a focus on nature-based activities. The intent was to foster operations that are environmentally friendly, USDA Rural Development in Maine. 2008. The Maine Community protective of nature and cultural heritage, and supportive to the local economy. The Exchange. Volume 5 Winter 2008. principles have lead to what Maine considers to be sustainable tourism over the last http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/me/ ten years. index_files/The%20Maine%20 Comm%20Exhange-%20Winter%20 vol%205.pdf (accessed July 28, 2009). Dover-Foxcroft, the county seat of Piscataquis County, serves as an example. The The Exchange is a newsletter like community is known as a place where tourists come to enjoy fishing, bird watching, publication that shares information on the different ecotourism and nature- boating, and camping at the Piscataquis River and Sebec Lake. Hiking is available at based tourism operations in Maine’s nearby Mount Katahdin, the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail, and Borestone communities. Mountain, which serves as an Audubon sanctuary. Town of Dover-Foxcroft website http:// www.dover-foxcroft.org/ (accessed Even with such an array of destinations and activities, the town faced economic July 28, 2009). problems in 2005. The Piscataquis County Economic Development Council (PCEDC) commissioned studies to gain information on developing and promoting attractions. That same year, the Piscataquis Tourism Task Force (PTTF) was created to conduct a year-long study which recommended work in four main categories: ˆˆ Capacity Building – focus on an oversight committee and how to get funding Mount ˆˆ Business Assistance – work in cooperation with the University of Katahdin Maine Cooperative Extension to identify, evaluate, and address issues facing local tourism-based businesses ˆˆ Product Development – work in cooperation with local Chambers of Commerce, the Maine Office of Tourism and Maine Highlands Corp. to finalize tourism itineraries, and ˆˆ Marketing Linkages – focus on publication of marketing tools such as a guide-map for Piscataquis County-Maine Highlands area and a regional map/guide providing an inventory of destinations in the county. Ecotourism remains a part of the Dover-Foxcroft effort to diversify its economic base, although CHEt – the Cultural Heritage & Eco-tourism Committee created as part of the PTTF – appears to focus its economic strategies largely on heritage projects.

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LAMPLH E RBERT ~ 5 ~ 2009 pathfinder Case Study: Moosalamoo, Vermont

Want More Information? The Moosalamoo National Recreation Area (NRA) was created December 1, 2006, with the signing of the New England Wilderness Act. The NRA consists of 20,000 acres Moosalamoo National Recreation Area within the Green Mountain National Forest which is located in the southern part of Website: http://www.moosalamoo.org (accessed on July 28, 2009). Vermont. This designation brought national attention to the area and recognized Moosalamoo as a premier destination for recreational activities. The official standing also provided new funding opportunities.

The Moosalamoo NRA offers 70-plus miles of area for hiking, skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling as well as horseback riding and biking trails. The nature-based assets include a scenic waterfall and lake and mountain views. Visitors shop, stay, and eat at surrounding villages – Brandon, Middlebury and Rochester – and participate in other recreational activities

The Moosalamoo Region and the Moosalamoo Association were recognized in 2004 by the National Geographic Society with the World Legacy Award in its Destination Stewardship category for “excellence in environmental, social and cultural travel.” The Moosalamoo Association is a public-private partnership that predates the Moosalamoo National Recreation area. Formed in 1989, the association originally focused on education and interpretation. The association now combines tourism and draws on conservation experts to conserve natural resources and improve recreational and educational services for visitors.

The Moosalamoo Association depends on a variety of funding sources. Every year they receive a Recreational Trails Grant from the Federal Highway Administration to hire crews for trail maintenance. The National Forest Foundation provides funding through its Matching Awards Program. This grant can be more of a challenge to obtain because it requires a non-federal source match. Local groups such as the Vermont Community Foundation provide grants for the Moosalamoo Association. Membership dues and donations provide the remaining support for the association.

The Moosalamoo Association has found that having volunteers helps secure grants and can provide needed program support. Volunteers come from different user groups, such as mountain bike organizations, local youth community service groups, and Girl and Boy Scout troops. Other advice includes: work closely with and garner the support of your Congressional Delegation.

The Moosalamoo Association staff and volunteers continue work to achieve improvement goals. While the main emphasis is on trail maintenance, other goals include: ˆˆ Infrastructure Improvements ˆˆ Interpretive Signage ˆˆ Wildlife Habitat Improvement ˆˆ Restoration of Wild Blueberry Areas ˆˆ Limited Promotion of the Area and Town.

~ 6 ~ ecotourism Lessons Learned “What is ecotourism” is sometimes wrapped in the flags of “responsibility” and “sustainability.” Yet communities may be as interested in economic development as in conservation. Ecotourism offers economic hope – The greatest challenge underlying ecotourism is: existing businesses get new customers, new businesses avoid overuse of a resource. What if too many and concessions may open, and the ranks of the people visit? What if “big business” moves in employed may grow. Natural areas may be considered and exploits the local community. Consequently, an asset – and thereby be protected – if attached to communities with an interest in ecotourism need economic benefits. to be actively involved in decisions, beginning with the following types of questions: The case studies presented here show some common themes that, in the end, are probably not linked ˆˆ How does the community define to “tourism” of any kind as much as they are to “ecotourism” – will ecotourism be community development – tourism is a kind of business, paired with historical / heritage communities need work. The recommendations tourism” or stand alone? of Florida’s Ecotourism/Heritage Tourism Advisory ˆˆ What does the community expect to get Committee in 1997 are similar to Piscataquis (Maine) if ecotourism is added to local “brands” Tourism Task Force (PTTF) in 2005: such as “recreational fishing”? What might it lose? ˆˆ Create partnerships or “linkages” ˆˆ Inventory and map local assets ˆˆ Define the “products” €€ Cultural, historical, and ecological, ˆˆ Develop local capacity to operate businesses and work with tourists €€ Lodging and food, ˆˆ Find the money to get started and €€ Green establishments, to sustain the work €€ Ecotourism guides, and The Florida counties each had access to the bed tax €€ Road access. / Tourist Development Council to generate funding ˆˆ Consider the impacts of ecotourism on at a local level. Wakulla County and the New England local resources and local culture communities appear to diversify economic strategies, ˆˆ Develop partnerships within the reaching beyond the local, state, and federal tax community and its organizations supported grants and local businesses to partnerships with the regional community college and private ˆˆ Create access to the state, regional, foundations. and topical ecotourism networks for marketing, technical support, and funding ˆˆ Establish and sustain conservation goals, and ˆˆ Consider ecotourism for addition to local comprehensive plans and overlays. The Steinhatchee Waterfronts Florida Partnership Committee will find additional resources in the sidebars of this paper.

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